privacy issues

I recently asked for opinions in how to deal with an issue (relative does
not want information listed in reports), and have been amazed at the fervent
debate and positions.

Steve Hayes...

If it hadn't been for the fervent debate, it wouldn't have been an issue,
would it?

Steve Hayes...

Quite -- note that it refers to organisations, not family members. My name may
be "private", but that doesn't mean that my wife or my children have to seek
my explicit permission whenever they want to mention my name to other members
of the family.

Steve Hayes...

Well that just about covers the legal side, doesn't it?

But it doesn't stop it from being an issue in forums like this, though!

Not only was I trying to understand my legal position (in disclosing
information on a website), I was also trying to understand my position of
genealogical accuracy vs. personal sentiments.

Thus, after much study (and following the thread and discussions) I have
come to the following conclusions:
1. I want to be a good guy, and avoid getting people upset,
2. In Canada, pursuant to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic
Documents Act (PIPEDA; snippets quoted below), an individuals NAME (as well
as other information) is PRIVATE information, and cannot be disclosed
without consent,
3. The act noted only applies to living people,
4. Banks use your mothers maiden name for security reasons,

Lesley Robertson...

Only if you give it to them. Since my family history appears in a couple of
places, I gave my UK bank the surname of one of my grandmothers. Trouble is
that I can't remember which one, and am always reduced to saying "it's
either XXX or ZZZ"..... Thus far, the bank staff have simply been amused!
Lesley Robertson

5. My genealogy program, and the software used on my website, have
provisions to hide information,
and 6. although there may be doubt that a case of identity theft occurred
due to information being obtained from a website, I dont want to be involved
if it does.

I will continue to pursue this passion, and will do all I can to balance
accuracy and privacy issues.